I struggled like crazy to get through this book. I love Adam and Kelley and the people within this story, but the writing is horrible and trying to read through it was not unlike choking through the worst dry sandwich ever. I’m still hoping that the reason for its juvenile pacing and shallow glimpses into these extraordinary peoples’ lives is because Blehm wants to get to the meat of the matter as quickly as possible. No matter, it’s strange and unpalatable.

What I do want to commend, however, are the obviously beautiful souls shining brightly through this mess. Beyond the shaky structure of this poorly-told story are the genuinely admirable individuals whose hard work, failures, and triumphs culminate in the ultimate loss and sacrifice of one man: Adam Brown. His wife, Kelley Brown, their children, and Adam’s parents, siblings, and entire family all had a hand in playing intricate roles in creating, defining, supporting, and loving him every step of the way.

This book is very heavy on the religion, and it’s something I wasn’t necessarily expecting. I wish I’d known, too, so here’s a warning to anyone out there who may be considering buying the book – lots of expectation that a Christian is reading this book and I felt a little bit as if I were being forced to worship. It’s difficult to explain here, but what I think I’m trying to say is that the writer, mid-sentence, stops telling the story in chronological order and suddenly transitions into an external entity who’s giving his praise to Adam or the family at that given moment. It was very jarring and uncomfortable, and I was VERY put-off by it.

Overall, however, I find it very easy to separate Blehm from Adam Brown, Kelley Brown, and the family. I am a little disappointed for them that this was the person they chose/person they had to go with as the deliverer of the message. Beyond that, though, their amazing son/husband/brother/father is a hero whose light shines through and shines on.

On this day, Memorial Day, and every day: Thank you for what you did for us, thank you for our freedom, and thank you for your sacrifice, Adam Brown.